Simmo saves Stoke

Stoke pulled off a great win in the first match of the new season, thanks to a goal from new boy, Ryan Shawcross and a great penalty save from keeper, Steve Simonson.

The Potters gave debuts to Ryan Shawcross (on loan from Man U), Stephen Wright (on loan from Sunderland) and Richard Cresswell with Rory Delap starting his first competitive game since breaking his leg on his home debut last October.

It was the Bluebirds who seemed to start the more brightly and nearly went ahead after only four minutes, but a great save from Simmo from Trevor Sinclair saved the Potters from any early problems.

The only goal of the game came in the 27th minute after Liam Lawrence's corner kick was swept by the Shawcross for his first goal in a senior competition. Stunned Cardiff, tried to hit back but Higginbotham, Wright and Shawcross were showing that they are going to be a tough defence to crack this season.

The Potters held the line until the 85th minute, when Shawcross were judged by the referee to have a pulled a Cardiff shirt in the penalty area. It seemed to be going to be a repeat of last season's 90th minute equaliser for the Bluebirds, but MacLeans' shot was saved by Simmo and the rebound gave the new Cardiff striker another chance - but still Simmo somehow managed to parry it past the goal for a corner.